A Word Of Encouragement While We Wait

Many of us have been waiting on promises from God. Many of us are feeling the struggle with the wait. It feels closer than it ever has but for some reason, still is just out of reach. Be encouraged! Know that sometimes we are close to receiving our promise but, God still has us in preparation mode.

Towards the end of the book of Numbers the Israelites had finished their sentence for their unbelief. God told them they’d have to travel a year for each day the 12 spies scouted the promised land yet, they didn’t trust God to defeat the enemy inhabiting it. 40 years for 40 days and that generation would die in the wilderness and not get to go into the promised land. In Numbers 26 and 32 it’s referenced that that entire generation did die and only Caleb and Joshua were spared for their faith. However, they still didn’t go into the land. They were right there. They could see it, smell it, and almost taste it yet, God put them in a holding pattern. God spent this time giving Moses detailed instructions on dividing the land, keeping festivals, making sacrifices, and making and keeping vows. Why? Because preparation helps us be successful. Proverbs 21:5 says “Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.”

God was about to hand them a big ticket item. He wasn’t giving them a Dollar Store gift. He was handing them something that was over 500 years in the making and waiting. This was the land that started this whole journey originating with Abraham. It was a big deal! It was a big promise about to come to pass. He wasn’t about to let them loose without direction, a plan, a road map. Additionally the manifestation of the promise, didn’t mean there’d be no enemy to fight or adversity to overcome. They needed a plan otherwise, they would be scattered at the first sign of adversity. They would give up and turn around at the first hint of trouble. Preparations so they weren’t “surprised”. Preparation so there’d be unity because preparation helps define the purpose.

God isn’t neglecting your promise. He may just have you in a holding pattern because you need preparation in accordance to the magnitude of the promise. God wants you to be successful. Being prepared, having direction, and defining the purpose of the promise does that. Don’t take this time as God teasing you or changing His mind. Take this as God loving you enough to set you up to win and not fail!